Golf Ball Buying Guide

Golf ball construction

Golf balls may look alike on the outside, but what’s inside determines how much control and distance you’ll get from each swing. The construction of a golf ball affects the way the ball will react when you hit it with a club. There are four main types of golf balls: one-piece, two-piece, three-piece and four-piece.

One-piece golf balls have the most basic designs and are generally used by beginners and on driving ranges. These golf balls are generally made from a solid piece of Surlyn resin, a compound that can be altered to maximize either hardness or flexibility. One-piece golf balls are durable and inexpensive, but they do not give the user much distance because they have low compression. One-piece golf balls are seldom used in games.

Two-piece golf balls have a solid core that is covered with a thin layer of Surlyn. These golf balls enhance distance and are durable, making them a good choice for practicing and casual games.

Three-piece golf balls enhance backspin and the golfer’s control. They generally have a solid rubber or liquid core surrounded by a layer of enhanced rubber and a cover of durable Surlyn. Three-piece golf balls are softer and allow for a higher spin rate than two-piece models. Intermediate and advanced golfers should choose these golf balls for competitive play.

Four-piece golf balls are a recent development. Though they are less common on the course, they are considered the golf balls of the future. Each layer of these high-tech golf balls has a different purpose, and together the layers offer the longest flight and softest feel available. The innermost layer of a four-piece golf ball is its inner core, which is made from solid rubber that maximizes flight distance. This core is wrapped by the inner cover, which is built to transfer energy from the club to the inner core. The middle cover is an additional layer that delivers enhanced driving distance, mid-iron spin and better feel around the green. The outer cover of these golf balls is a thin coating generally made from urethane.

Some new technologies have improved golf balls to the point where an unskilled player can achieve amazing results, which has drawn the attention of the United States Golf Association (USGA). If you’re playing for fun, there’s no reason not to experiment with new golf balls. Competitive players, however, need to make sure that the balls they use in tournaments conform to USGA guidelines.

Core

The core of a golf ball affects its potential flight distance and responsiveness to spin. In general, you’ll need to choose between golf balls that give you greater driving distance and less control or golf balls that won’t drive as far, but give you greater control and response to spin.

Golf ball cores come in two main types: solid and liquid. Solid cores are typically made of rubber and offer more distance. Liquid-filled golf ball cores offer more feel and spin for greater accuracy.

Golf balls with harder centers can be hit farther than soft-centered balls, but you’ll lose the spin you need for putting and precise chip shots. One way to balance distance and control is to look for golf balls with hard cores that are balanced by outer layers that yield for a better feel. Wound construction, where the core was wrapped by rubber thread, is disappearing, but several types of golf balls strive to deliver a similar feel.

Cover

The cover of a golf ball affects its feel on softer hits like putts and chips. Surlyn golf balls provide the best distance and durability and the least spin. Balata-covered golf balls are softer and have a better feel, but they get nicked and scratched easily, which throws off aerodynamics.

The dimples of a golf ball are molded into the cover of a ball. A golf ball generally has between 300 and 500 dimples. Generally, larger dimples increase trajectory and smaller dimples lessen trajectory, but the number of dimples has less of an effect on distance than your club speed.

Feel

Compression is the measure of a golf ball’s give, which determines its feel. Players prefer different levels of firmness, depending on their swing.

Firm golf balls feel hard when they contact the club. The harder the golf ball, the more explosive the hit and the farther your golf ball can travel. People who value distance should consider these golf balls, which are the most durable.

Mid-feel golf balls are best for beginners and intermediates. These golf balls balance distance and spin and can help you determine which areas of your golf game need work.

Most professionals prefer soft golf balls. These balls have the greatest sensitivity to spin, which allows for precise ball placement and putting. Soft golf balls can also reduce slices and hooks, but you won’t get as much distance and the fragile design means these balls need to be replaced more often.

Spin

Low-spin golf balls decrease side spin and allow for a straighter trajectory. Though the ball may not travel as far, the lack of spin will increase its roll once it lands. These golf balls are suited to players that slice the ball and struggle with distance.

Mid-spin golf balls are good for a wide range of players and skill levels. You’ll get more distance from mid-spin balls and you’ll find a variety of spin sensitivities, allowing you to choose golf balls that give you the best balance for your game.

High-spin golf balls maximize backspin and add spin to every shot. The greater control is ideal for those who tend to hook or slice, but you’ll need more power and club speed on your drives to shoot for distance.

Need to know more?

• Golf News
  http://www.pga.com/home/
• Conforming Golf Ball List
  http://www.usga.org/equipment/conforming_golf_ball/conforming_golf_ball.asp
• Golf Ball Myths
  http://www.titleist.com/technology/details.asp?id=20&bhcp=1